The 2017 edition of the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie was filled with treats for women and the novelties of IWC Schaffhausen are the biggest proof. In this interview, IWC’s Artistic Director Christian Knoop will tell us about the house’s newest releases for this year.

As the Artistic Director of the brand, what makes an IWC watch stand out?

An IWC watch really stands out for its longstanding design. Historically, IWC watches have all been relatively large. We started with pocket watches and the most iconic timepieces we introduced are the Pilot’s and the Portugieser, and they were all adapted wrist watches which carry pocket watch movements. So this is why they are all relatively large. In addition, we feature a very pure and timeless design, as this element is very important because it gives a classic piece a modern yet timeless flair. Next to that, we are a brand which has established 6 collections historically, the Portugieser, the Pilot’s, the Portofino, the Aquatimer, the Da Vinci and the Ingenieur. All these collections are a part of our history and are here to stay. We are not inventing new collections, so the work is on the DNA of these collections combined with the look and feel of the brand which is their overall spirit.

What is the history behind the Da Vinci collection?

The first Da Vinci timepiece dates back to 1969 and the most well-known edition – which was the Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar – was launched in the eighties. At that time, it was really the flagship of the brand and it has become an icon in the watch industry. There were also ladies’ watches in steel and stone-set versions, so this really inspired the relaunch of the Da Vinci. We have dedicated this launch to women. Although we have a mix of men’s and ladies’ watches, the majority of the references are ladies’ products. We are focusing this year on the Da Vinci collection, but women’s love for our watches and brand really encouraged us to go back to our history.  

What is the vision behind renovating this line?

The vision is actually two folds: on one hand, we want to give this historic collection a place in our portfolio, but this means that we have to combine the distinguishing look, the design signature of this collection with the overall DNA of the brand. On the other hand, we also believe that this collection can be very successful with ladies’ watches. So we also use this collection as a lever to bring forward our competence in ladies watches.

How do you describe the women who would wear this watch?

She is a modern, strong and self-confident woman.

As a man, which watch from the novelties would you invest in yourself?

I think we have done a good job on the perpetual calendars. It is a reminder of the historic piece but brings a very contemporary flavor.

Mirella Haddad